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An archaeologist with Desert Archaeology, Inc., examines a re-created field area within the roughly 3,000-year-old expanse of irrigation canals at Las Capas in the Tucson Basin.

In 2015–2016, we feature presenters who will explain the “so what?” of their findings. Accordingly, we encourage audiences to consider not only the past, but also their own place in our human story.

On January 19, 2016, Kyle Woodson and Wesley Miles (Gila River Indian Community) will present “Canal Irrigation Studies on the Gila River Indian Community and Modern Water-Rights Issues.”

From Kyle and Wesley:

We will discuss the Gila River Indian Community’s long-term cultural resource management study of Hohokam canal irrigation along the middle Gila River. This work has been coordinated in conjunction with the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, a large irrigation-system improvement project funded by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This long-term study was facilitated by archival and ethnographic research, intensive archaeological survey and excavation projects, as well as oral history interviews.

These efforts have provided a wealth of new information on ancient Hohokam canal systems and irrigated fields. Principal contributions of these studies are a greatly clarified canal system map; an increased number of excavated canal segments; and new understandings of the layout, size, and capacity of the canal systems, as well as their development through time. Soil studies of irrigated fields within the systems, along with experiments in traditional corn production, have greatly augmented our knowledge of Hohokam irrigated agriculture. Other studies have focused on the social organization of irrigation management and canal labor.

In sum, these investigations have led to many new insights, and they have even influenced some water-rights issues for the Community.

Archaeology Café is an informal forum where adults can learn more about the Southwest’s deep history and speak directly to experts. We have based Archaeology Café on the science pub or science cafe model that developed in Europe and quickly spread to major American cities. At Archaeology Café, we break down the static, jargon-laden dynamic of traditional lectures, and have an expert share some ideas with the group in ways that get discussion going. (Food and drink make things a little livelier, too.)

The program is free, but participants are encouraged to order their own refreshments. Although kids may attend with adult supervision, Archaeology Cafés are best for adults and young adults.

If accommodation is needed due to disability, please contact Linda Pierce by email or phone, (520) 882-6946, ext. 23.

Place: We meet in the Aztec Room of Macayo’s Central, 4001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, near the Indian School light rail stop.

Time: Presentations begin after 6:00 p.m. It is best to arrive at about 5:30 p.m. in order to get settled, as seating is open and unreserved, but limited. Share tables and make new friends!

Cost: Archaeology Café is free, but guests are encouraged to order their own refreshments from the menu. Enjoy happy hour prices!